Suzy Lee and Nancy Walters of Realty Executives Alexandria Home Sales are Recognized for Their Achievements

Alexandria, MN (Grassroots Newswire) – Two Realtors from Realty Executives Alexandria Home Sales were recently presented with the two top awards presented by the Greater Alexandria Area Association of Realtors.

Betty “Suzy” Lee was announced as the winner of this year’s Realtor of the Year Award at the Greater Alexandria Area Association of Realtors annual meeting. This award is based on the involvement in the community, the involvement in the association, ethics conduct, as well as the production of the realtor. Lee has been a licensed realtor for the last 5 years and prior to that was co-owner of Rockwood Construction.

“I’m so honored to receive this award, especially because I was nominated and selected by my fellow Alexandria Realtors,” Lee stated.

Nancy Walters was named this year’s Rookie of the Year. This award is based on the fact that the agent has no more than 24 months in the business, has been very active in the association by serving on various committees, and has been active in the community and in working with her peers in the profession.

"This is such an honor -- and surprise,” said Walters. “I am truly enjoying the real estate profession.”

Real Estate Agents, also known as "Executives" at Realty Executives, average approximately 13 years of real estate experience, nearly twice the national average. They are industry leaders in production, experience and professional designations, typically out producing traditional sales associates three to one, according to Rich Rector, president and CEO of Realty Executives International.

"We are very proud of the Executives in Alexandria," stated Joseph LaManna, Regional Developer for Realty Executives Midwest. “The Realtors in the Alexandria office represent what Realty Executives is about, and Suzy and Nancy are both outstanding professionals. Both are very deserving of their awards.”

For more information about Realty Executives Alexandria Home Sales please contact Gloria Iverson at (320) 763-4255.

About Realty Executives International

Realty Executives International, the nation’s first 100-percent commission company, has been perfecting its business model for more than 42 years and is one of the fastest-growing real estate franchises in North America. The Phoenix-based, privately held company has more than 800 franchises in ten countries, including offices in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Mexico, Australia, Israel, Costa Rica, France, Greece and Indonesia. Publications like Entrepreneur, Success and Inc. magazines have all ranked Realty Executives International, Inc as a leader based on franchise growth, management stability and financial soundness. For additional company information, call 1-800-252-3366, or visit www.realtyexecutives.com.

June 3, 2009

The month of April was very kind to the real estate industry. We saw the largest monthly jump in sales contracts signed in 7 & ½ years. So is the housing market slump “bottoming out?”

Analysts predict that the market should start to turn by the end of the year, but new incentives, such as the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers and record low mortgage rates, have fueled investors to buy sooner rather than later. Housing affordability is at one of the highest points in history and agents are in the middle of their busiest time of the year.

Our Region is seeing one of the best Pending Home Sales Index increases in the country with a rise of 9.8 percent, an 11.1 percent increase from one year ago. With numerous buyer assistance programs available to the public, we are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel.

March 23, 2009

The United States has seen one of the worst recessions since the end of World War II. Rises in unemployment, increasing foreclosures, and the current credit crisis have brought about a lack of consumer confidence, which is only making the economic situation worse.

What must we do to help jump start the economy?

Even though there is no shortage in negative effects the economy has placed on the housing market conditions, it has brought new opportunities for those who may not have been able to afford to invest in real estate a few years ago.

Home prices have dropped all over the country, allowing many to become first time homeowners.– Lower prices help to stimulate buyer demand, which is sorely needed to deal with the excess inventory available all over the country.

Mortgage Rates are the lowest they have been in years.

Tax credits for first time home buyers are bringing new life to the housing market.

Net rental income matches or exceeds the costs of property ownership in the majority of US markets, bringing many opportunities for investors to receive a respectable ROI.– With analysts predicting the market downturn to hit bottom by the years end, available properties will be very appealing to potential investors.

The stabilization of the housing market is key to improving the nation’s economy. In Minnesota alone, the real estate industry accounted for over 15.8% of the Gross State Product in 2007. When a home is sold in Minnesota, It generates economic multiplier impact. There is greater spending at restaurants, sports games, and charity events. The size of this “multiplier” effect is estimated to be $12,240. (Bureau of Economic Analysis; Macroeconomic Advisors, NAR)

Just remember:

If you owned real estate for the last 18 months, or even the last 10 years, you’re probably still better off than having invested in the stock market.

Real Estate has always been a long term investment with major booms and busts. In the face of this uphill battle, we must persevere and work together to prevent further damage to our economy.

“It’s our patriotic duty to invest in home ownership, because it’s going to make that road a lot shorter.”

Fargo, ND (Grassroots Newswire)- Jim McCreary, of Realty Executives North Plains, was honored as Broker/Owner of the Year on January 17th at Realty Executives Midwest Annual Holiday Gala. The award is presented to one individual in the Midwest Region of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. McCreary was selected by the Realty Executives Regional Office because he is a proven company leader who is not only dedicated to each and every client that he works with, but also to the strong organization that Realty Executives North Plains has built in Fargo.

Each of the Realty Executives Midwest offices also announced a new award that was presented to individual Executives at the Holiday Gala. The Most Valuable Executive Award was presented to an individual who didn't necessarily have the best sales for 2208, but the person who exemplified all of the characteristics that separates Executives from agents. Great Plains believed that not one person could be chosen over another, so their award went to all of the owners of Realty Executives Great Plains. "We have an awesome group of Executives and It's been my pleasure being their Broker," McCreary stated.

McCreary has lived in the Fargo-Moorhead area for more than 35 years. His ability to focus on individual needs, his professionalism and honesty has helped him to place over 50 families annually in their dream homes while running a successful real estate brokerage. McCreary is a dedicated, experienced Realtor with many accreditations to his background. His level of expertise has brought Realty Executives North Plains much success this past year, and will continue to do so in years to come. It is the experience, knowledge, and passion of the Realtors at North Plains and all Realty Executives offices that sets them apart from their competition.

2009 has begun on a positive note for the Realty Executives brand. Realty Executives International was named to Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500 list for 2009. The company ranked at number 179 worldwide for 2009, making it only the fourth real estate franchisor to appear on this year's list. Sales associates, also known as "Executives," at Realty Executives average approximately 13 years of real estate experience, nearly twice the national average. They are industry leaders in production experience and professional designations, typically out producing traditional sales associates three to one, according to Rich Rector, president and CEO of Realty Executives International.

The team members of Realty Executives North Plains have a combined average of over 15 years of experience in the Real Estate business. With the changes in the real estate market and new advancements on the Internet, Realty Executives North Plains has the tools and the latest technological support to provide their clients with the best quality service available.

" Realty Executives was created for exceptional individuals. People with the character, leadership and sales skills it takes to reach the highest levels of success, and that is exactly what Jim and the Executives of Realty Executives North Plains portray," said Joseph La Manna, Regional Developer of Realty Executives Midwest.

For more information about Realty Executives North Plains, please contact Jim McCreary at (701) 499-5300.

About Realty Executives International

Realty Executives International, the nation's first 100-percent commission company, has been perfecting its business model for more than 42 years and is one of the fastest-growing real estate franchises in North America. The Phoenix-based, privately held company has more than 800 franchises in ten countries, including offices in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Mexico, Australia, Israel, Costa Rica, France, Greece and Indonesia. Publications like Entrepreneur, Success and Inc. magazines have all ranked Realty Executives International, Inc as a leader based on franchise growth, management stability and financial soundness. For additional company information, call 1-800-252-3366, or visit http://www.realtyexecutives.com/.